EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

70-200mm
f/70.0
Telephoto Zoom
Stabilized
760 g
Min focus 1.2 m

Quick answer

A compact, light telephoto zoom with a constant f/4 aperture and stabilization. Popular with travel, landscape and wildlife photographers who watch their weight.

Pros

Light and compact for the range
Sharp optics
Stabilized
Dust and water resistant

Cons

Slower than f/2.8 versions
Blurred backgrounds are harder to achieve

Verdict

Strong if you do not need f/2.8, and much easier to carry than the pro zooms.

About this lens

A 70-200mm f/4 telephoto zoom lens, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM is designed for Canon EF mount bodies, from the Canon L series with Image Stabilizer and ultrasonic-motor autofocus. A lighter and more affordable L-series telephoto zoom than the f/2.8 version, with a constant f/4 aperture.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM specifications

Brand: Canon
Mount: Canon EF
Focal length: 70-200mm
Maximum aperture: f/70.0
Lens type: Telephoto Zoom
Format coverage: full-frame
Released: 2006
Optical construction: 20 elements in 15 groups
Aperture blades: 8
Image stabilization: Yes
Autofocus motor: USM
Minimum focus distance: 1.2 m
Maximum magnification: 0.21x
Filter thread: 67 mm
Weight: 760 g
Length: 172 mm
Diameter: 76 mm

Specification source: global.canon

What can you shoot with the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM?

Travel and landscape
Hiking telephoto
Outdoor sports
Portraits in daylight

Its smaller maximum aperture favours daylight shooting and keeps the lens compact.

Full-frame equivalent and field of view

Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.

Sensor	Crop	Equivalent	Horizontal FOV	Diagonal FOV
Full frame	1.0x	70–200mm	10.3–28.8°	12.3–34.3°
APS-C	1.6x	112–320mm	6.4–18.3°	7.7–21.9°

Try the field-of-view calculator

Frequently asked questions

Is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM sharp?

Yes. It is regarded as one of the sharper lenses in Canon's L telephoto zoom range.

Is the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM worth buying over the non-IS f/4L?

If you shoot handheld in dim light or at the long end, the stabilizer is worth having. For tripod work or bright light the non-stabilized version is lighter.